Arianna's Lotus [http://i.imgur.com/oOhwKDZ.png]

Chapter Eight

Weary Minds

“Where would you like me to put these?” I peered at Nalithor over the stack of books I was carrying. He glanced up from whatever document he’d been studying and then motioned toward one of the few clear spaces by his desk.

“Here is fine. Watch your step.” Nalithor rested an arm against the desk while tracking me. “Our scholars are making quicker progress than I expected. It’s almost as if someone is trying to keep us busy.”

Nalithor shot a brief glare toward where Eyrian leaned against a wall.

“Not my fault.” Eyrian raised his hands. “Everyone’s working harder after hearing about Arianna’s arrival. They’re all competing to see who can complete their tasks faster. Looks like bringing her here was a massive morale boost.”

‘Well, at least it gives me something to do…’ I placed the books on the floor next to Nalithor’s desk and then stretched, wincing. Learning about my brother’s involvement with my kidnapping was a difficult pill to swallow. While I had my suspicions before, confirmation was another thing entirely. The Lari’xan wanted him alive for some reason, while I wanted him dead. Or something. ‘I’m not sure if death is even enough of a punishment at this point…’

“Arianna,” Nalithor spoke up with a warning growl. I glanced at him and huffed in response. “Let’s not play with fire. If we act against the Lari’xan’s wishes we will be separated permanently—because we will be dead. Let’s avoid that, shall we?”

“Can we at least go hunt something?” I sighed, crossing my arms. “I’ll feel much better after killing something. There are plenty of beasts to choose from beyond the city walls.”

“You’re under orders to stay by my side at all times and I won’t be finished with any of this work for days at best,” Nalithor pointed out with a heavy sigh. “I believe celebration will be in order when my replacement finally arrives. It would be fantastic if I never had to run a city myself again.”

“Yet you’re fine with being a deity?” Eyrian snorted, shooting Nalithor an amused look. “I don’t envy you or your replacement. Hells, I won’t complain when we get to leave this rock. Mists aside, I can’t decide what I hate more—the beasts or the X’shmirans.”

“We may be free of the latter soon,” Nalithor stated, waving one of the sheets of paper in the air. “Hadyn and Edan have offered to take in the X’shmirans as soon as a ship is available to ferry them to their new home. Doing so would free up many of our men for other tasks, allow the city to be truly rebuilt, and give us more opportunities to deal with other sections of Eormir.”

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“Right. We still need to learn more about the Mists and see to the state of the Sihix Forest,” I remarked, crossing my arms under my bust. “There’s also the beast infestation to the west to deal with if we want to have a chance of utilizing the farmland, forests, or lake.”

“True enough…” Nalithor murmured, his mouth curving into an amused smirk. “Well then, I think perhaps it’s time we gave the Human matriarch her poor, wayward children. The sooner they are out of our hair, the better.”

“Now?” I watched my nylziis rise from his seat and stretch.

“You aren’t the only one who wishes to hunt.” Nalithor put his arm around my shoulders and steered me through the room with him. “Eyrian, I want you to make sure we have men keeping an eye on Satrr, Ijelle, and Lalira when we leave to hunt. I won’t have those three joining us. According to our men, the beasts have become far more agitated than they were when we first arrived on this rock last year.”

“And only Arianna-jiss has any real experience with the damned things. I know.” Eyrian grimaced, shaking his head as he pushed away from the wall. “If it’s all the same to you, I’ll keep an eye on the girls myself while the two of you hunt. You’re bringing the Guardians with you anyway, right?”

“You don’t wish to join us?” Nalithor arched an eyebrow at him.

“I’ll be dead weight—I can barely sense my own power, or yours.” Eyrian shook his head again. “I’ll go keep an eye on the girls and maybe bring them with me to talk to Maric. He should be able to find a way to keep us occupied in the castle.”

We parted ways and the moment we could no longer see or hear Eyrian, Nalithor promptly pulled me into a tight embrace and nuzzled into my vulpine ears. I leaned into him and closed my eyes for a moment, letting my thoughts calm down while he got whatever it was he needed from me.

‘We have so much work to do…’ Nalithor sigh tickled my ear, making it flick back.

‘Yes, we do.’ I sighed and reached up to take his face between my hands, making him look at me. “You’re still completely worn out, Nalithor. Maybe you should take a day or two to recover?”

“Even you’re telling me to take a break?” Nalithor smiled drawing me closer until I had to link my hands behind his neck instead. “Now that is something I never thought I would hear you say. You are far too intent on pushing yourself further than you should.”

“So are you, apparently. You’re that eager to get off this rock?” I gave him a pointed look.

“I…may have a certain brat I want to punish.” Nalithor’s eyes flashed, his claws digging into my hips. “Everything, all the hardships we have both faced…can be traced back to him. Even if the Lari’xan keep us from killing him—”

“We need to keep in mind his actions led to the treatment he received in X’shmir, if we can,” I pointed out, shaking my head slightly. “I’m pissed off too, Nalithor. But, after thinking about it, I don’t think it’s all gone according to whatever plan he had.

“No one in their right mind would throw themselves into the sort of life he had to live here. Especially not a child. Either his corruption is worse than we thought, or there’s more going on. He has a lot to atone for, but we need to make sure he’s atoning for the right things.”

“And that we eviscerate the others responsible…” Nalithor muttered, his grip relaxing slightly. “Perhaps more rest is a good idea after all. I don’t think either of us can focus on work or hunting right now. Regardless of how powerful we are, it wouldn’t do for us to hunt while our minds are elsewhere.”

“Let’s give it a few days. That should be plenty of time to get rid of the Humans, and perhaps I can help you work on your ability to deal with the Mists while we’re at it,” I offered, flashing him an inviting smile. “Of course, I have a few other ideas while we’re at it…”

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